Recently, Target Austrailia (not to be confused with Target in America, despite both companies having the exact same logo and slogan, because they are in no way affiliated) released its back-to-school catalog, featuring a woman wearing a hijab. While some praised the inclusiveness, Conservative Twitter took the time to point out that Islam is dangerous, Muslims are a threat, and Target doesn’t get to push its alleged liberal leftist agenda.
https://twitter.com/NickNchlsn/status/818776223681679360
https://twitter.com/NickNchlsn/status/818761859033501699
https://twitter.com/BasimaFaysal/status/818744157623590912
While there was a bevy of Islamaphobic sentiments over the ad, others pointed out that Australians are a diverse bunch and there’s nothing wrong with representing that diversity.
I may just visit @Targetaus tonight and buy a few scarfs just to annoy a few bigots. #AustraliaIsDiverse #GetUsedToIt pic.twitter.com/TCOctn9Ub9
— Mariam Veiszadeh (@MariamVeiszadeh) January 12, 2017
In the same catalog, Target also featured a girl with leg braces.
https://twitter.com/littlemissyem_/status/817356815843237888
So for those who still think diversity in representation is bad, or only bad when referring to Muslims, here are several explainers on the many reasons women wear the hijab—and none of them are about being a threat to naysayers’ personal freedom.
Editor’s Note: This article has been rewritten to clarify that the Target in Australia is no way related to Target Corp. in America. We regret the error.
